1990s Auguste Moreau French Art Nouveau Table Lady Lamp, "Dawn," Two Lights, Bronzed Spelter

Details

Description

Once upon a time there was a small plaque (about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch high) affixed to the … Read more Once upon a time there was a small plaque (about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch high) affixed to the front of the base, near the bottom (see the two little holes?), and that plaque would have told you the name of the artist and probably the name for his muse. I'm making two assertions (and speculative assumptions): 1) that this work is (probably) by the noted French artist and sculptor, Auguste Moreau, and 2) that the artist named this particular work "Dawn." Or, "Aurora." Or...?

The statue is made of spelter, a zinc/lead/copper/tin/antimony alloy also called "white, or pot metal." The difference between the French spelter and others is that the French spelter is far more durable than most of the others, especially the American-made spelter. This sculpture does have one small break, near her left wrist. And, a leaf among those surrounding the right-hand socket has been broken off and is missing. The patina has age-appropriate wear and compromises.

Moreau sculptures are world-famous for their alluring and accurate depictions. Moreau was at the top of the genre during his time. The world looks to France for excellence in all manner of artistic endeavors. Note that the subject's expression suggests that she's a woman of power and bearing. No coquettish expression for her!

The glass bulb covers are new and there's a "catch" on the bottom which allows you to cinch the two sides together. I didn't want to cinch it just for the photographs, but you can cinch the two sides together and the bottom will appear tighter. This type of glass/bead bulb cover is very appropriate for the period (late 19th Century/early 20th).

Overall the bronze patina is in good condition, as the photographs suggest. The sculpture's entire surface has been waxed.

The sockets are of the period and in perfect working order, as is the wiring. There is a turnkey on each socket to turn the bulb on or off. There's also an old French in-line switch on the cord which you can use to illuminate or extinguish the bulbs.

You'll go a long way to find a better representation of work of Moreau (once again, assuming he was the artist), let alone a more alluring representation of the female form as it was idealized at the time.

Dimensions: standing about 18 inches to the top of the lady's head. As shown with bulbs in position, the left-hand glass cover stands about 20 1/2 inches high. The two sockets are about
18 inches wide overall. The base measures about six inches in diameter. See less